Moving Tips

Morse Van Lines is here to help with all of your moving questions and we wanted to provide helpful tips that will help you during the whole moving process. If you need additional help, please feel free to give us a call at 800-533-1636.

Moving Expenses

If you moved due to a change in your job or business location, or because you started a new job or business, you may be able to deduct your reasonable moving expenses, but not any expenses for meals. You can deduct your moving expenses if you meet all three of the following requirements:

Your move closely relates to the start of work

You meet the distance test

You meet the time test

Your move must closely relate both in time and in place to the start of work at your new location. You can consider moving expenses incurred within one year from the date you first reported to work at the new location as closely related in time to the start of work. A move generally relates closely in place if the distance from your new home to the new job location is not more than the distance from your former home to the new job location. For exceptions to these requirements, see Publication 521, Moving Expenses.

The distance test: Your new workplace must be at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your old job location was from your old home. If you had no previous workplace, your new job location must be at least 50 miles from your old home.

The time test: If you are an employee, you must work full-time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months immediately following your arrival in the general area of your new job location. If you are self-employed, you must work full time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months and for a total of at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months immediately following your arrival in the general area of your new work location. There are exceptions to the time test in case of death, disability and involuntary separation, among other things.

If you are a member of the Armed Forces and your move was due to a military order and permanent change of station, you do not have to satisfy the distance or time tests.

Figure moving expenses on Form 3903 (PDF), Moving Expenses, and deduct as an adjustment to income on Form 1040 (PDF), U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You cannot deduct any moving expenses covered by reimbursements from your employer that are excluded from your income.

Moving Wine

As wine collections are becoming more popular and can represent a sizeable investment, assuring its safe transportation requires additional planning.

Most experts agree the older the wine the more delicate its flavor. Extreme changes in temperature may affect the taste and appearance of your wine. The best temperature for storing and transporting wine is 55 degrees. The best time to move your collection is early Spring or late Fall.

For a small manageable collection, the best means of transportation may be by car, where the atmospheric conditions can be better controlled. If you choose to have your van line move your collection, be sure to take special care in packing your wine, you may want to consider special wine packing boxes; these are made of Styrofoam or corrugated cardboard and protect the bottles well. They can be purchased at stores that sell wine or wine making supplies in your area.

Even when all precautions are taken—bottle shock may occur from the wine being shaken within the bottles during transport. Allow the bottles to rest at least 7 days prior to opening.

Gypsy Moths

Tips for identifying whether you live in an area that is infested with gypsy moths, and what to do before you move.

With so many "big" things to think about during a move - it's important not to overlook a "small" thing that can cause big damage - the Gypsy Moth. The gypsy moth is one of the most destructive pests of trees and shrubs to ever be introduced into the United States. Gorging themselves on leaves, gypsy moth caterpillars defoliate, weaken, and can kill more than 300 different species of trees. Since 1970, gypsy moths have defoliated more than 75 million acres in the United States.

In 1999 the USDA's Forest Service launched the "Slow the Spread" campaign, a program created to reduce the rate of gypsy moth movement into non-infested areas. Part of the measures taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is a requirement that homeowners inspect and remove gypsy moth egg masses from household goods prior to moving from an infested to a non-infested area.

If you are currently in an area of the country that is infested (most of the Northeast), and moving to an area that is not - your moving company will require you to read and acknowledge the requirements set forth by the Department of Agriculture. Inspecting your household goods for gypsy moths goes beyond being a good citizen - it's the law. Failure to inspect your articles prior to moving could result in fines, and quarantine of your household goods.

The USDA has developed a great website to help you learn if you are in an infested area, and how to inspect your items for this destructive pest. Your move counselor at A. Arnold can also help with any questions, and help make sure your move is gypsy moth free.

Moving A Car

Moving a vehicle along with your household move to your new home is often an option. Often times the moving truck line will have room available on the truck and your vehicle can be shipped with your household goods.

There are several requirements that must be followed to ensure the safe transport of your vehicle. The following guidelines apply whether you are shipping your vehicle via Morse Van Lines. The best rule of thumb is if it’s not bolted in it should be removed. For example the following items should be removed unless they are factory installed components:

Loose radios/CB’s/Tape players/Compact disc players

Compact discs (or tapes)

Power boosters

Equalizers

Radar scanners

GPS devices

MP3 players

Extra speakers

Decorative ornaments

Auto protective covers/bras

Truck tailgate nets

Auto roof racks (if not factory installed)

Theft alarm systems (if you choose to leave the car alarm in your vehicle be sure the system is disengaged prior to shipment)

Child safety/booster seats

Additional Tips:

Personal belongings can be stored up to 100 pounds in your vehicle during shipment

There should be no more than 1/8 tank of fuel in the vehicle

Leave a set of keys for the ignition, trunk, gas tank and other locking compartments

Tape your extra set of keys to the inside of the glove compartment

Be sure the spare tire and changing equipment are secured in the factory positions

Vehicles must be insured by owner

A copy of Registration must be in the vehicle

By following these simple guidelines you will ensure your vehicle arrives at your new destination damage free. If you have any questions regarding shipment of a vehicle please contact Morse Van Lines.

Contacts

Use our simple online form to get a free quote on your move. One of our moving professionals will contact you to discuss your needs and help you create a plan that will make your move a breeze!